UP SD70Ace 1943

[atsf3751]

There are three manufacturers (that I know of) making this engine in N, Kato, BLI and a model from NSE commissioned using a Fox Valley SD70Ace. Who is getting one and which one? I have reserved the NSE engine.

[carlso]

Marty,

No big deal but I have a KATO with ESU sound on reserve. I am a KATO fan.

Carl

[atsf3751]

Kato is good but I like the free standing detail that Fox Valley provides. I use DCC but do not require that every engine have sound.

[sundowner]

Kato like 95% of my fleet.

[JanesCustomTrain]

BLI - never !  (not even the ALCo RSD-15 should they ever...)
NSE/FVM - nah, Kato copy
Kato = yes, several, for repaints   

Jane

[Leggy]

Far as I can tell only Kato will have the most correct version of 1943 of the 3.

[atsf3751]

Far as I can tell only Kato will have the most correct version of 1943 of the 3.

You have some pics to show that? From what I have seen, they are pretty much the same.

[rochsub]

BLI - never !  (not even the ALCo RSD-15 should they ever...)
NSE/FVM - nah, Kato copy
Kato = yes, several, for repaints   

Jane

Do you own a FVM unit?  In my view they are far superior in looks and running.  The truck gears in my Katos consistently get clogged up which requires disassembly and cleaning.  If you are a runner, it gets tiresome.  I've needed to add clear tape to the bottoms of the trucks to prevent pickup of particles.  Appearance wise, the FVMs are markedly better in detail, stenciling and paint.

Daryl

[atsf3751]

BLI - never !  (not even the ALCo RSD-15 should they ever...)
NSE/FVM - nah, Kato copy
Kato = yes, several, for repaints   

Jane

The RSD-15 would have to be really, really bad for me not to get one. And all my FVM engines are very good, both in appearance and running. In fact, in appearance I consider them superior to Kato.

[flight2000]

I've got the NSE/FVM version on order.  Did that as soon as Pete put it up on his website and before the others were known.  I still would have choosen FVM though.   

Didn't even know BLI was doing this for Trainworld, but apparently it's in stock know.

The photos of the FVM model on thier Facebook page show all of the details already applied.  Anyone know if it will come from the factory this way or are they still going to be individually installed?  Could be the reason for the price increase (NSE increase aside...).

Cheers,
Brian

[sixpakpop]

Going after the Kato unit. Would like one of each, but that would require me to case some banks......

[peteski]

Do you own a FVM unit?  In my view they are far superior in looks and running.  The truck gears in my Katos consistently get clogged up which requires disassembly and cleaning.  If you are a runner, it gets tiresome.  I've needed to add clear tape to the bottoms of the trucks to prevent pickup of particles.  Appearance wise, the FVMs are markedly better in detail, stenciling and paint.

Daryl

The tape trick works *VERY* well.  I actually showed it to you in this post. Those locos are made like fine Swiss watches (and run just as well), but are in my opinion over-engineered (made too delicate for a typical layout which is littered with debris)  Those locos would be at home running in a sealed debris-free display case.  But they sure are well made!



I'm also not a big fan of factory-applied free-standing (oversize) details.  Kato wins for me. Even little things like Kato's glue-free assembly. Yes, I'm a Kato fanboy. 

[Leggy]

You have some pics to show that? From what I have seen, they are pretty much the same.

The FVM uses a 2007-2011 ACe inverter cabinet whilst Kato is tooling up a new cab with correct late cabinet. Not to mention the long hood is based on the UP version.